Syd Backman was my husband, my best friend, my partner and constant companion for 38 years. He was loving, joyful and funny. He was a great card player, and we loved to dance, to travel and enjoy the arts.
When he developed Alzheimer's he lost his driver's license, became incontinent, forgot how to walk and his leg muscles atrophied. He spent the last two and half years of his life in a wheelchair in care facilities.
He would act like a toddler, and at other times he would have flashes of total lucidity, when he would tell me he had nothing to live for. It was heart-breaking. We both suffered terribly the last years of his life.
The facts about Alzheimer's and the other dementias are frightening. 1 in 3 seniors dies due to Alzheimer's or other dementia; it kills more people that breast cancer and prostate cancer combined; more than 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, while over 11 million family and friends in America provide unpaid care for them.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's - San Diego North County takes place on September 21, 2024 at Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Please support me with a donation to the Alzheimer's Association; walk with me or join my team: Syd's Team.
No donation is too small. Every dollar helps and progress is being made.
My heartfelt thanks,
Katherine Backman
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
100
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5000
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